Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mothers, Grandmothers, Great-Grandmothers, and Godmothers.
May you enjoy the day and celebrate your very special role in life with your family and friends.
Happy Mother's Day!
Until next time................................................
Earlier this month I had the opportunity to attend the Society of Surgical Oncology annual meeting. It has been many years since I was at a meeting conference and this seemed the perfect one to attend - I know the President of SSO and the President-elect, it is warm and not snowing, and I have a dear friend that lives there.
One of my interests is that of the Native America cultures. So I was not going to miss the opportunity to visit the Heard Museum, which has an incredible collection of art, artifacts, pottery, blankets and a wonderful display of the schooling of the Indians and the difficulties associated with separation of children form family - no matter how well intentioned.
This was my favorite painting. It is named Day of the Council. I love the simplicity and the story it depicts. The artist is Joan Hill (Muscogee Creek/Cherokee, 1930-2020). The story of this painting is that it depicts Native women as decision makers and carriers of communal responsibility. The figures include several generations who gather to deliberate matters of consequence including war and peace.
On my return I stopped at a Teahouse that served tea, coffee and pastries (Songbird Coffee and Teahouse). Since I had not eaten all day, I stopped at this establishment for an afternoon tea and a scone. The place reminded me of my old days in Vermont.
I also visited the St. Mary's Basilica, the oldest Catholic parish in Phoenix - built in 1880 as an adobe Church. It is sizeable now and beautiful and was only 2 blocks from the convention center.
All in all in was a good meeting. I reconnect with colleagues from City of Hope and SSO. I learned new things at the meeting and I enjoyed visiting with a good friend and the warmth of the Arizona sunshine. I do enjoy the desert scenery and cultures of the southwest.
And when I came home Gunanrr and Shorty were very happy to see me!
Until next time.................................
We have had a lot of happiness in the house with Fionnegan,
Gunnarr, and Shorty. They would run through the house and yard with free abandon,
and I would often comment it was like a calvary! What a wonderful pack. There
were lots of smiles, kisses and wagging tails.
It has been 6 months since Fionnegan died. We all miss him
very much. Gunnarr still searches the house and yard looking for Fionn and Shorty
rests his nose on Fionnegan’s dog bed in my study. I wonder if he can still smell
Fionn’s scent.
I also firmly believe that when Gunnarr howls, and he howls as loud
as any dog can, he is calling for Fionnegan. And Shorty does join him in
howling when they are outside. Gunnarr howls when he is alone in the house with
Shorty (I have a spy cam/doggy cam on them!) and he really howls every time I
try to get a picture of them on the front porch. There is no doubt he misses his
brother. Their bond was so incredibly close. They were best buds. And now the
bond between Gunnarr and Shorty is so strong that they are now inseparable.
I am fortunate that I have Gunnarr and Shorty as there still
are many kisses and wagging tails in the
house. Shorty gives the most kisses but Gunnarr will not be outdone when they
are together so I get kisses on each cheek at once! And while Shorty is
enjoying more of a senior dog role, Gunnarr still runs at top speed. Today they
are back running around the house like cavalry. What a blessing they are.
Fionnegan was a true joy. There are many fun and fond memories
of him. He was so ornery at times, like when he snitched the lettuce from my
sandwich when we were eating lunch on the kitchen porch. He was clever, able to
figure out how he could slip in between Gunnarr and me when we were sleeping.
He figured out that if he could get under the covers, and crawl along my legs
and cross over my feet and crawl back up, he could wiggle himself between Gunnarr
and me. He was athletic and able to assess a jumping situation and go for it. He
would often jump over Gunnarr to make sure he was the one who got to sit on my
lap. He loved Gunnarr and Shorty and could cuddle with Gunnarr every day. The
first thing he did each morning was to look for Gunnarr and visa versa. Shorty is
not a cuddler but they stayed close to each other, especially close to the end
when Shorty would lie down next to him.
And he was my little love. He had a beautiful smile and a
winning disposition. He loved people and loved tummy rubs. He loved playing
with Gunnarr and chasing him around the yard. What fun they had. Then when
Shorty joined us, Fionn was often the one that Shorty chased. He was after all,
the smaller of the two. He learned to get used to Shorty – not love at first
site. But after a while together they were getting along just fine.
He knew that I would protect him and help him in any
situation. When Gunnarr was too aggressive with him, I would give Gunnarr a
time out and Fionn would sit next to the gate to keep him company. So when one
got a time out, I just put them both in the bathroom or the atrium together. After
all, a time out just meant a separation from me for a little while.
When Fionnegan became ill, he would wait at the bottom of
the stairs because he knew once I got Gunnarr settled I would come back to
carry him upstairs. When he lost his appetite or will to eat, he knew I would kneel down beside him and
feed him by hand. He knew that I would help him sleep on his favorite pillow or
let him cuddle next to me as we slept. It was obvious he trusted me and loved
me, too. And when it was time for him to go, I believe he trusted me to help
him with this journey. Just the look in his eyes let me know that the time was
near.
Fionnegan gave me millions of kisses over the years – so many
kisses I would say to him. So many kisses indeed and how I miss them. He was
simply precious. My precious, spirited Fionnegan. I will always remember his as a happy loving dog.
Long before Fionnegan became ill I would ask Gunnarr and him
who they dreamt of at night, including if they dreamed of puppy dog angels. I
have no idea of where the concept of puppy dog angels originated, but it was part
of our daily routine during the much dreaded teeth brushing activity. Now, with
Gunnarr’s front paws on my lap, I ask him the same questions, and tell him that
Fionnegan is now a puppy dog angel. Here is hoping that one day we are all reunited
with our puppy dog angels that have gone before us.
Rest in Peace, my Fionnegan.
Fionnegan and Gunnarr playing in the yard.
For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way: Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day.
A four leaf clover is like an old friend - hard to find and lucky to have.
May your troubles be less
And your blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door.
May your neighbors respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.
We had a white Christmas, just like in the song. It was a wonderful day with lots of presents for my boys (thank you Auntie Diane) and me. I cooked and baked and lights and candles were lit in every room. Christmas music played and we all sang. The house was festive inside and out! We made up for the less than ideal situation last year when the house was under construction and there were minimal decorations.
A festive wreath on the front door - we'll wait to see if our Carolina wren or the house finch makes a nest here again. I will remove the bow and decorations before Spring but leave the wreath if it is still in good condition.
Shorty loves rolling in the snow.
And yes, we are missing my spirited Fionnegan very much. He loved to explore even as a puppy. He loved climbing snowbanks but always making certain I was close-by him. He was about 10 weeks old in this photograph.
Every morning while brushing Fionnegan's and Gunnarr's teeth I would ask them if they dreamt of puppy dog angels. Now I explain to Gunnarr that Fionn is with the angels and that he is a puppy dog angel. Gunnarr and Shorty at times still search for Fionnegan.
Until next time..........................
